Krushuna Waterfalls and Devetashka Cave: a day with a driver

Updated: October 29, 2026

Krushuna Waterfalls and Devetashka Cave are about 15 km apart, so they combine easily. From Veliko Tarnovo, Krushuna is about 70 km away (around 1 h 15 min); from Lovech it is about 35 km (around 40 minutes). Allow 2 hours at the falls and an hour at the cave, which makes a 6 to 7 hour day.

The Krushuna Waterfalls are a series of cascades over terraces of travertine, with pools of turquoise water under the trees. An eco-trail with wooden bridges and steps leads up through the falls to the cave where the river springs. Devetashka Cave, near the village of Devetaki, is a huge cave with openings in the roof that let in shafts of light. Both lie in the countryside between Lovech and Veliko Tarnovo, away from bus routes.

Distances and drive times

From	To Krushuna	To Devetashka Cave	Note
Veliko Tarnovo	about 70 km, 1 h 15 min	about 80 km, 1 h 25 min	Via Letnitsa or Sevlievo roads
Lovech	about 35 km, 40 min	about 15 km, 20 min	Closest town
Krushuna		about 15 km, 20 min	Village roads
Sofia	about 190 km, 2 h 45 min	about 170 km, 2 h 30 min	A long day; better from a closer base

A sample day from Veliko Tarnovo

Time	Plan
09:00	Pick-up in Veliko Tarnovo
10:15	Krushuna: eco-trail up through the falls to the spring cave
12:15	Lunch in Krushuna village
13:30	Drive to Devetashka Cave
14:00	Devetashka Cave (where access allows)
15:15	Optional: Lovech covered bridge and Varosha old quarter
16:30	Drive back
17:45	Back in Veliko Tarnovo

Krushuna Waterfalls: what to expect

The main falls are a short walk from the car park. The full trail up to the source climbs with steps and wooden walkways and can be slippery when wet; it takes about an hour up and down at a steady pace. Swimming in the pools is not allowed: the travertine terraces are fragile.

Check locally whether an entrance fee applies and the current opening hours of the trail.

Go early in summer. By midday on weekends the car park and the lower falls are busy, and the light under the trees is better in the morning.

Devetashka Cave: what to expect

Devetashka Cave is one of the largest caves in Bulgaria, with a vast main hall and holes in the ceiling through which light and rain fall. It is also home to protected bat colonies, and access rules have changed over the years to protect them. Check the current situation before you go, ideally on the day through your hotel or local tourist information, and do not enter closed sections.

Who this day suits

• Families: the falls trail is manageable for children who can climb steps, and the cave is impressive at any age.
• Photographers: the water and the cave light are at their best in the morning.
• Anyone tired of churches and museums who wants a nature day.

What to bring

• Shoes with good grip for wet steps.
• A light jacket: the cave is cool even in summer.
• Cash for the village cafés.
• Water and snacks; there are few shops near the cave.

Fitting it into your trip

This is one of the two choices for day 6 in our seven-day itinerary; the other is Etar and Tryavna. If you want to end the day with wine rather than walking, see private wine tours in Bulgaria.

To book, enter Veliko Tarnovo and Lovech in the form above, with the date and number of passengers, and write Krushuna and Devetashka Cave in the notes.